Find Your Way with the Right Map

I know it has probably been awhile since you have tried to correctly fold up a map and fit it in the glovebox and, no, I am not going to get into the Google versus Apple maps debate with you. What I am talking about today is a map for your goals. Most of you have read your share of goal setting techniques (SMART goals), productivity ideas (eat the frog), and time management methods (prioritized to do lists) to last a lifetime, but what is often missing is how we get from a goal to the specific actions we need to take to achieve it. This leap from goal setting to steps for goal achievement can be made with a strategic map.

Traditionally related to Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard approach to management, the strategic map was developed to help businesses create a visual representation of their strategic goals and how they are going to reach them. Similar to the strategic map is the concept map or the mind map. All of these are visual tools to help users solve problems, make decisions, and sort out a complicated idea.

Mind maps have been moderately studied in the education landscape and most studies show a significant improvement in learning and study efficiency with their use. I believe concepts like mind maps can be used successfully in goal setting scenarios for personal and business objectives as well. By creating a visual guide and representation of all the ways you or your business can reach your goals, you are setting yourself up with a clear path and alternative routes in mind. It is a well-known adage (even if the original Yale study can’t be found) that if you write down your goals you are more likely to achieve them. Using the modified strategy map concept, you are not only writing down your goals, but also visualizing multiple ways to achieve them.

Creating a modified strategy map, the type I am talking about, is not that difficult to do. In order to let your creativity flow it is best to have very few rules or restraints to the map. If you are having trouble getting started check out this post with 5 Things You Can Start Doing Today to Become More Creative. Simply start with your goal (vision, mission, grand plan) in the center and make branches out from the central idea to represent other, related ideas (see picture above). Making this map colorful, adding pictures or symbols, and doing several revisions or versions can help you to create an even better tool for goal achievement. There are many computerized concept mapping and mind mapping tools out there if you’d rather go the tech route. Here is a list of the Top 10 Totally Free Mind Mapping Software Tools. While I can’t say that I have tried every one of them on the list (I am more of a glitter pen and poster board for creativity type of gal) they may be just what you need to create a map that you can use to achieve your goals.

Have you ever used a mind map to solve a problem? Do you think this way of thinking, understanding, or exploring a concept could work for you? I’d love to hear your comments below.